NGT demands response from Odisha pollution control board on chromium contamination in Sukinda mining belt

Cuttack:National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response from the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) on the report submitted by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), which confirmed high levels of chromium (VI) contamination in several parts of Sukinda mining belt in Jajpur district.The issue assumes significance as environmental experts and public health advocates have repeatedly raised concerns over the health hazards associated with chromium (VI) exposure, particularly in mining-intensive areas like Sukinda, which has one of the world’s largest chromite ore reserves.The report submitted along with an affidavit by regional director (CGWB), Bikram Kumar Sahoo, the Sukinda valley features a phreatic aquifer extending to a depth of 30 metres, with underlying deeper fractured aquifers.CGWB collected and analysed 233 water samples from various sources including hand pumps, dug wells, effluent treatment plants (ETP), mine pits, Damsala nullah, Brahmani river, ponds and springs.The report revealed that 37 samples collected during pre-monsoon and 28 during the post-monsoon period showed chromium (VI) concentrations exceeding the permissible limit of 0.05 mg/litre. The report also gave several recommendations.

Taking cognisance of the findings, NGT’s east zone bench in Kolkata, comprising Arun Kumar Tyagi (judicial member) and Dr Afroz Ahmad (expert member), in its Aug 26 order, uploaded on Sept 4, directed the OSPCB to submit its response to the affidavit within four weeks. The matter will be heard next on Nov 14.The issue was taken up by the NGT following a suo motu case registered on March 21, 2024, based on a complaint by Mantu Das, a resident of Jajpur Sadar.

Das had alleged serious groundwater contamination and rising cases of kidney-related ailments in Kaliapani area under Sukinda tehsil. Advocates Sankar Prasad Pani and Ashutosh Padhy had appeared on behalf of the petitioner.A joint committee, constituted by NGT earlier, had initially detected chromium (VI) contamination at nine different sampling points but had refrained from suggesting any immediate remedial measures, calling instead for a detailed investigation by a competent agency.Following this, CGWB, which was part of the committee, was directed by the tribunal to carry out an independent investigation.Earlier, Jajpur collector and district magistrate, P Anvesha Reddy, had filed an affidavit stating that the highest levels of chromium were recorded in the Saruabil mines. However, she added that the toxic potential and probable health impacts — including kidney and liver disorders, respiratory issues, and internal haemorrhaging — are yet to be thoroughly assessed.